4 NPAs killed, one captured, war materials seized
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Four Communist-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) were killed while an undetermined number of rebels were wounded, one of them captured, when a fierce gunbattle erupted between government security forces and communists insurgents in far-flung highland community in Surigao del Sur province.
A flash report reaching the Army’s command and action center here stated that massive ground pursuit operations are still ongoing in the highland area of Cancavan, Carmen town, Surigao del Sur province.
Troops of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36thIB) under the command of Lt. Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad is currently assisted by the Strike Wing and Helicopter Wing of the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) of the Philippine Air Forces (PAF), in pursuing the fleeing CNTs.
Troops of the 36th IB is pursuing the fleeing members of the Weakened Guerrilla Front 30 (WGF 30, SPP2) of the CPP-NPA, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), 1Lt. Jonald D. Romorosa, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 36th IB said.
“The gunbattle took place after 36th IB patrolling troops, led by 1st Lt. Jayson R. Tulang, immediately responded to the reports of the locals about the presence of CNTs conducting extortion and posing a threat to the community. Upon arriving in the mountainous area of the said community, responding troops encountered the rebels in a fierce gunfight,” the 36th IB CMO officer said.
Initial report received here also stated that the first 15 minute engagement of the 36th IB troops happened at 1 p.m.of Sunday in the uninhabited and hilly area of Barangay Cancavan, Carmen town, Surigao del Sur province.
The encountered CNTs were under the command of a certain “Commander Megan” of the WGF 30-SPPD, NEMRC, the 36th IB CMO officer said.
“A 15 minute running gun battle also ensued and the CNTs scampered to different directions leaving behind their wounded and killed comrades,” 1st Lt. Romorosa said.
The gun battle resulted in the deaths of four CNTs and the wounding of one rebel who was captured.
Government troops initially seized from the encounter site five high powered firearms (3-AK47 and 2-M16 Armalite rifle), 12 magazines of AK-47, two long magazines of M16, three cellular phones, assorted live ammunitions, personal belongings, and backpacks containing high valued documents.
Operating troops of the 36th IB, under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, applied first aid to the wounded NPA who was left by his comrades during their withdrawal.
The wounded CNT rebel was immediately rushed to Madrid District Hospital for medical attention but was proclaimed dead on arrival by the attending physician.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of those NPAs killed. It is disheartening that CPP-NPA terrorist will just leave their comrades behind. We will coordinate with the local government unit and the local authorities to ensure that the killed CNTs will be delivered to their families for proper burial,” Lt. Col. Trinidad said